I wish to be like him.

I can never forgive my father for having been willing to desert the cause of Corsica, and agree to its union with France.

He should have followed Paoli's lead, even though it took him with Paoli, into exile in England." "Bah! your father!" one of the big boys standing by exclaimed; "and who is your father, Straw-nose ?" Napoleon turned upon his tormentor; "a better man than you, Frenchman!" he cried; "a better man than this Choiseul here.

My father is a Corsican." "A stubborn rebel, this boy," said the teacher, now losing his temper.
"What! you will not ask Monsieur the Count's pardon, as a rebel should?
Then will we tame your spirit.

Is a little arrogant Corsican to defy all France, and Brienne school besides?
Go, sir! We will devise some fine punishment for you, that shall well repay your insolence and disobedience." So Napoleon, in disgrace, left the schoolroom, and pacing down his favorite walk, the pleasant avenue of chestnut-trees that lined the path from one of the schoolhouse doors, he sought his one retreat and hermitage,--his loved and bravely defended garden.
That garden was a regular Napoleonic idea.